Oilfield equipment identification method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An oilfield equipment identifying apparatus for tracking selected parameters for each of a plurality of pieces of oilfield equipment adapted to be inserted into a drill string supported by a drilling rig. The drilling rig also supports a drilling device for selectively rotating portions of the drill string to form a well bore. The apparatus comprises a computer loaded with an oilfield equipment database. A reader is provided for inputting into the computer a unique identification code for each piece of oilfield equipment added to the drill string so as to build a grid including a reference to each piece of oilfield equipment. The computer further includes a pipe utilization and identification program for continuously and automatically monitoring the location in the drill string of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the grid and the cumulative rotating usage and non-rotating usage of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the grid so as to provide an accurate representation of the historical data of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the grid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The exploration, development and completion of an oil or gasfield requires numerous pieces of oilfield equipment, such as but notlimited to casing, drill pipe, packers, oilfield valves and otherequipment. The cost of this equipment is relatively high. Accordingly,it is desirable to optimally use and/or reuse many pieces of oilfieldequipment for subsequent drilling and development operations. However,equipment undergoes considerable stress during drilling and completionoperations. For example, pieces of oilfield equipment, such as drillpipe, may suffer from material fatigue which may ultimately result infailure of the drill pipe. The failure of downhole equipment willrequire a suspension of drilling operations to recover the remainder ofthe drill string and other related equipment. It will be appreciatedthat the recovery of a drill string can be an expensive andtime-consuming operation, which should be avoided, if possible.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to maintain complete service recordsrelating to various pieces of oilfield equipment, such as, but notlimited to, drill pipe, for the purposes of determining fatigue andother factors relating to the use of the equipment. By maintaining anaccurate, detailed record of the use, inspections, repair andmaintenance for each piece of oilfield equipment, the fatigue and otherfactors relating to the use of the piece of oilfield equipment can bemonitored. Thus, the piece of oilfield equipment can be taken out of usebefore such piece of oilfield equipment fails.

[0004] It is to such a method and apparatus for accurately maintainingservice records for various pieces of oilfield equipment that thepresent invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is an oilfield equipment identifyingapparatus for tracking selected parameters for each of a plurality ofpieces of oilfield equipment adapted to be inserted into a drill stringsupported by a drilling rig. The drilling rig supports a drillingdevice, which selectively rotates the drill string, or a drill bitconnected to the drill string. The apparatus comprises a computer loadedwith an oilfield equipment database. A reader is provided for inputtinginto the computer a unique identification code for each piece ofoilfield equipment added to the drill string so as to build a gridincluding a reference to each piece of oilfield equipment in the drillstring.

[0006] The computer further includes a pipe utilization andidentification program and associated hardware for continuously andautomatically monitoring the location in the drill string of each pieceof oilfield equipment identified in the grid and the cumulative rotatingusage and non-rotating usage of each piece of oilfield equipmentidentified in the grid so as to provide an accurate representation ofthe historical data for the user to calculate the fatigue of each pieceof oilfield equipment identified in the grid.

[0007] Real time reports can be generated from the pipe utilization andidentification program at any time by actuating a string report functionso that rig personnel can monitor the usage of each piece in the drillstring and take appropriate corrective action before a costly unexpectedevent occurs. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, theautomatic updating of the cumulative rotating usage and non-rotatingusage provides an accurate record of the rotating and non-rotating hoursof each piece, thereby substantially reducing the number of costlyinspections needed for determining the level of fatigue of each piece.

[0008] In other embodiments, various assemblies are provided to enhancethe reliability of the pipe utilization and identification program. Forexample, in one embodiment, the oilfield equipment identifying apparatusincludes a fixed mount reader. The fixed mount reader is mounted on therig floor in a fixed position so that it is possible for the fixed mountreader to read an identification tag included in an identifier assemblymounted onto respective pieces of oilfield equipment without any manualintervention. Thus, the fixed mount reader makes the reading of theidentification assemblies more reliable and safe.

[0009] In addition, various mounting assemblies for efficiently,reliably and inexpensively attaching the identification assemblies tothe pieces of oilfield equipment are disclosed.

[0010] Other advantages, and features of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detaileddescription is read in conjunction with the attached drawings and theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of an oilfield equipmentidentifying apparatus constructed in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of an identifier assemblythat is utilized in the oilfield equipment identifying apparatus of FIG.1.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a piece of oilfieldequipment, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 4, illustrating a system formounting the identifier assembly shown in FIG. 2 into a piece ofoilfield equipment.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the piece of oilfield equipmenthaving the identifier assembly recessed therein.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view depicting another system forsecurely mounting the identifier assembly of the present invention ontothe piece of oilfield equipment.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of yet another system forsecurely mounting the identifier assembly of the present invention ontothe piece of oilfield equipment.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of still another system forsecurely mounting the identifier assembly of the present invention ontothe piece of oilfield equipment.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of an identifierassembly constructed in accordance with the present invention, which issecurely mounted on an exterior surface of the piece of oilfieldequipment.

[0019]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the identifier assembly andthe piece of oilfield equipment, taken along the lines 9-9 in FIG. 8.

[0020]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the identifier assembly andthe piece of oilfield equipment, taken along the lines 10-10 in FIG. 8.

[0021]FIG. 11 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of a second embodimentof an oilfield equipment identifying apparatus, constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 12 is front elevational view of a typical screen on a monitorof a central computer when the central computer is running a pipeutilization and identification program constructed in accordance withthe present invention.

[0023]FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a fixed mount readerconstructed in accordance with the present invention wherein the fixedmount reader is mounted onto an apparatus for turning the piece ofoilfield equipment.

[0024]FIG. 14 is a plan view of the fixed mount reader depicted in FIG.13 wherein the fixed mount reader is positioned to read the identifierassembly mounted onto the piece of oilfield equipment.

[0025]FIG. 15 is a plan view of the fixed mount reader depicted in FIG.13 wherein the piece of oilfield equipment is being positioned againstthe fixed mount reader.

[0026]FIG. 16 is a side-elevational, partial cross-sectional view of thefixed mount reader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, showntherein and designated by the general reference numeral 10 is anoilfield equipment identifying apparatus, constructed in accordance withthe present invention, The oilfield equipment identifying apparatus 10includes a plurality of identifier assemblies 12 which are mounted onrespective pieces 14 of oilfield equipment. The pieces 14 of oilfieldequipment can be casing, drill pipe, packers, or the like. Therespective identifier assemblies 12 and pieces 14 of oilfield equipmentare designated in FIG. 1 by the reference numerals 12 a and 12 b, and 14a and 14 b, for purposes of clarity.

[0028] Each of the identifier assemblies 12 is capable of transmitting aunique identification code for each piece 14 of oilfield equipment.Thus, the identifier assembly 12 a includes a unique identification codeto uniquely identify the piece 14 a of oilfield equipment and theidentifier assembly 12 b includes a unique identification code touniquely identify the piece 14 b of oilfield equipment.

[0029] As previously stated, the oilfield equipment identifyingapparatus 10 includes a plurality of identifier assemblies 12. Forpurposes of clarity, however, only one such identifier assembly 12 willbe described hereinafter, it being understood that each of theidentifier assemblies contained in each oilfield equipment identifyingapparatus 10 is substantially identical in its construction andarrangement of parts and function.

[0030] Still with reference to FIG. 1, the oilfield equipmentidentifying apparatus 10 also includes a reader 18. The reader 18 iscapable of reading each of the identifier assemblies 12 in the pluralityof identifier assemblies. The reader 18 includes a hand-held wand 20,which communicates with a portable computer 22 via a signal path 24. Inone embodiment, each identifier assembly 12 includes a passive circuitas described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference. When each identifierassembly 12 includes a passive circuit, the reader 18 can be constructedand operated in a manner as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128.

[0031] In use, the wand 20 of the reader 18 is positioned near aparticular one of the identifier assemblies 12 located on the piece 14of oilfield equipment. The unique identification code is transmittedfrom the identifier assembly 12 to the wand 20 via a signal path 26.Signal path 26 can be an airwave communication system. Upon receipt ofthe unique identification code, the wand 20 transmits such uniqueidentification code to the portable computer 22 via the signal path 24.The portable computer 22 receives the unique identification codetransmitted by the wand 20 and then decodes such unique identificationcode. The identification code identifying a particular one of theidentifier assemblies 12 is then transmitted to a central computer 32via a signal path 34. The signal path 34 can be cable or airwavetransmission systems.

[0032] The information transmitted to the central computer 32 from theportable computer 22 can either be done in real time, whereby eachunique identification code received by the wand 20 is about immediatelytransmitted to the central computer 32, or in batch mode, wherein eachunique identification code is not transmitted to the central computer 32until after a number of identifier assemblies 12 have been scanned bythe wand 20. Further, the decoded output from the portable computer 22may be directly displayed on the portable computer 22 for verificationpurposes.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a perspective, exploded view ofone of the identifier assemblies 12. For purposes of clarity, theidentifier assembly 12 is shown in FIG. 3 in an assembled condition. Theidentifier assembly 12 includes a cup member 36, an identification tag38, and a lid 40. The cup member 36 and lid 40 may be constructed of anelectrically insulating material, such as plastic or other durable,electrically isolating materials, so as to isolate the identificationtag 38 from the piece 14 of oil field equipment. The identification tag38 can be a passive circuit identification tag obtainable from Motorolaor Texas Instruments, for example. In general, the identification tag 38has stored therein a unique identification code. The construction andfunction of the identification tag 38 is discussed in more detail inU.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128, referred to previously, the disclosure of whichhas been expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] In general, the cup member 36 includes a bottom 42 and asubstantially continuous sidewall 44, extending from the bottom 42 so asto define a cavity 46. The bottom 42 and the sidewall 44 are sized andadapted so that the identification tag 38 and the lid 40 can be disposedin the cavity 46.

[0035] Once the identification tag 38 and the lid 40 are disposed withinthe cavity 46 of the cup member 36, the cup member 36 and the lid 40protect the identification tag 38 from taking any direct hits from rigidmaterials. The interior surface of the sidewall 44 is substantiallysmooth so that the identification tag 38 and the lid 40 can be disposeddirectly in the cavity 46 without any twisting or other manipulation ofthe identification tag 38 and lid 40. In addition, the lid 40 and theidentification tag 38 are sized so as to have a loose fit within thecavity 46. As a result, the identification tag 38 is not sealed withinthe cup member 36. Thus, fluids, very small materials and gases can passaround the lid 40 to engage the identification tag 38 when theidentification tag 38 and the lid 40 are disposed within the cavity 46of the cup member 36.

[0036] As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, respectivealigned openings 48, 50 and 52 are formed through the bottom 42, theidentification tag 38, and the lid 40. The aligned openings 48, 50 and52 are sized to receive a removable retainer, such as a screw,therethrough, if desired. It should be noted that in some embodiments,the identification tag 38 may not have the opening 50 formedtherethrough.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, one method of installing theidentifier assembly 12 into one of the pieces 14 of oilfield equipment(depicted for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation asa tool joint pin connection of a section of drill pipe) is shown. A hole56 is drilled or milled into the piece 14 of oilfield equipment toprovide for the mounting therein of the identifier assembly 12. The hole56 has a predetermined depth so that the identifier assembly 12 can bedisposed in the hole 56 below a maximum wear diameter 57 of the piece 14of oilfield equipment. Once the identifier assembly 12 is disposed inthe hole 56, the identifier assembly 12 is maintained in the hole 56 bya suitable retainer, such as a friction grip retainer 58, which ispressed into the hole 56. The openings 48 and 52 formed through thebottom 42 and the lid 40 serve to relieve pressure behind the identifierassembly 12 so that such pressure does not build up behind theidentifier assembly 12 and push the identifier assembly 12 out of thehole 56 formed in the piece 14 of oilfield equipment. More specifically,the openings 48 and 52 serve to relieve pressure from behind the bottom42 of the cup member 36. As shown in FIG. 4, the friction grip retainer58 includes a ring-shaped support portion 60 and a plurality of lugs 62extending therefrom. Only two of the lugs 62 have been numbered in FIG.4 for purposes of clarity. The lugs 62 of the friction grip retainer 58are sized such that the lugs 62 frictionally engage the piece 14 ofoilfield equipment when the friction grip retainer 58 is being pressedinto the hole 56 to prevent the inadvertent removal of the identifierassembly 12 and the retainer 58 from the hole 56.

[0038] The beforementioned method of mounting the identifier assemblies12 on the pieces 14 of oilfield equipment, whereby the identifierassemblies 12 are recessed in the pieces 14 of oilfield equipment, isespecially useful in applications where it is likely that the identifierassembly 12 could be wiped off the exterior surface 66 of the piece 14of oilfield equipment. However, in certain instances, such as when thepiece 14 of oilfield equipment is a pump, a valve, an engine or otherpiece of oilfield equipment where the likelihood of the identifierassembly 12 being wiped off the exterior surface 66 is decreased, it hasbeen found to be more economical to mount the identifier assembly 12 tothe exterior surface 66 of the piece 14 of oilfield equipment.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, three systems for mounting theidentification assembly 12 to the exterior surface 66 of the piece 14 ofoilfield equipment are disclosed. As shown in FIG. 5, an opening 68 isformed through the exterior surface 66 of the piece 14. The opening 68has a threaded interior surface 70. The bottom 42 of the cup member 36is disposed adjacent the exterior surface 66 of the piece 14 of oilfieldequipment such that the openings 48, 50 and 52 are aligned with theopening 68 formed in the piece 14 of oilfield equipment. The identifierassembly 12 is held in this position while a threaded member 72, such asa screw, is disposed through the aligned openings 48, 50, 52 and 68. Thethreaded member 72 is then rotated so as to threadingly engage thethreaded interior surface 70 of the opening 68 to rigidly maintain theidentifier assembly 12 on the piece 14 of oilfield equipment. In thisposition, the identification tag 38 is compressed between the lid 40 andthe bottom 42 of the cup member 36 by the threaded member 72.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, yet another system for mounting theidentifier assembly 12 to the exterior surface 66 of the piece 14 ofoilfield equipment is shown. In this embodiment, a first bondingmaterial 74, such as an epoxy, is disposed between the exterior surface66 and the bottom 42 of the cup member 36 so as to bondingly connect thebottom 42 of the cup member 36 to the exterior surface 66. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, a second bonding material 76, such as layerof epoxy, is disposed between the lid 40 and the cup member 36 so as tobondingly connect the lid 40 to the cup member 36, thereby retaining theidentification tag 38 within the cup member 36.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of a system forsecuring the identifier assembly 12 to the exterior surface 66 of thepiece 14 of oilfield equipment is shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG.7, a flexible retainer 80, such as a strap, string or a wire, isdisposed about the exterior surface 66 and threaded through a pair ofaligned slots 81 a and 81 b formed through the cup member 36 of theidentifier assembly 12. The flexible retainer 80 extends across the lid40 so as to retain the lid 40 within the cavity 46 of the cup member 36.To retain the identifier assembly 12 on the piece 14 of oilfieldequipment, the ends of the flexible retainer 80 can be secured togetherby any suitable connector means so as to tightly dispose the flexibleretainer 80 about the exterior surface 66 of the piece 14 of oilfieldequipment.

[0042] Shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, and designated by the generalreference numeral 90, is another embodiment of an identifier assemblyconstructed in accordance with the present invention. The identifierassembly 90 is substantially identical in function to the identifierassembly 12, except that the identifier assembly 90 has been adapted andconstructed to be resiliently and removably disposed about the exteriorsurface 66 of the piece 14 of oilfield equipment for use in situationswhere it may be likely that the mounting systems depicted in FIGS. 5-7for the identifier assembly 12 could be wiped off the exterior surface66 of the piece 14 of oilfield equipment or the piece 14 is ashoulderless drill pipe.

[0043] In FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the piece 14 of oilfield equipment isdepicted for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation asa tool joint pin connection of a section of drill pipe. In general, theidentifier assembly 90 is shaped to matingly conform to the exteriorsurface 66 of the piece 14 of oilfield equipment. In one embodiment, theidentifier assembly 90 includes a first member 92 (FIGS. 9 and 10) and asecond member 94. The first member 92 includes a layer of resilientmaterial 92 a supported on an underlying frame member 92 b. The secondmember 94 includes a layer of resilient material 94 a supported on anunderlying frame member 94 b. The first member 92, and the second member94 are shaped so as to matingly conform about the exterior surface 66 ofthe piece 14 of oilfield equipment, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. The layersof resilient materials 92 a and 94 a included in the first and secondmembers 92 and 94 can be constructed of a material which issubstantially impervious to hydrocarbons or oilfield chemicals, such asmolded or vulcanized rubber. The frame members 92 b and 94 b included inthe first and second members 92 and 94 can be constructed of a strong,durable material which is substantially impervious to hydrocarbons oroilfield chemicals, such as stainless steel.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first member 92 has a first end96 and a second end 98, and the second member 94 has a first end 100 anda second end 102. The first end 96 of the first member 92 is disposedsubstantially adjacent the first end 100 of the second member 94. Inthis position, the first end 96 of the first member 92 is connected,either removably or permanently, to the first end 100 of the secondmember 94 via any suitable retainer 104, such as a pair of screws(shown) or a hinge. The second end 98 of the first member 92 is disposedsubstantially adjacent the second end 102 of the second member 94. Inthis position, the second end 98 of the first member 92 and the secondend 102 of the second member 94 are removably connected via any suitableretainer, such as a pair of screws 106. To prevent the identifierassembly 90 from rotating about the exterior surface 66, an opening 108can be provided through the first member 92 so that a correspondingretainer, such as a screw 110, can be disposed in the opening 108 andtightened against the exterior surface 66 of the piece 14 of oilfieldequipment.

[0045] As best shown in FIG. 8, the second member 94 has a first side112 and a second side 114. To securely maintain the identification tag38 on the piece 14 of oilfield equipment, a slot 116 is formed throughthe first side 112 such that the slot 116 extends a distance toward thesecond side 114. The slot 116 is sized and dimensioned to receive theidentification tag 38 therein. To maintain the identification tag 38securely within the slot 116, an opening 118, which communicates withthe slot 116, is formed through the second member 94. In use, theidentification tag 38 is placed in the slot 116 such that the opening 50formed through the identification tag 38 is aligned with the opening 118formed through the second member 94. In this position, a retainer, suchas a screw 120, is disposed through the openings 118 and 50 formedthrough the second member 94 and the identification tag 38, such thatthe screw 120 securely retains the identification tag 38 within the slot116.

[0046] Thus, it can be seen that the identifier assembly 90 provides arelatively inexpensive, secure method for removably mounting theidentification tag 38 on the exterior surface 66 of the piece 14 ofoilfield equipment. The layer of resilient material 94 a of the secondmember 94 is constructed of an electrical insulating material, so as toisolate the identification tag 38 from the piece 14 of oilfieldequipment. Any of the screws 104, 106, and 120 can be used incombination with an appropriate lock washer (not shown) so as to moresecurely maintain such screws 104, 106, and 120 in their respectiveopenings.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 11, shown therein and designated by thegeneral reference numeral 150 is a second embodiment of an oilfieldequipment identifying apparatus, constructed in accordance with thepresent invention. The oilfield equipment identifying apparatus 150includes a plurality of the identifier assemblies 12 and/or 90 which aremounted on respective pieces 14 of oilfield equipment as describedabove. The oilfield equipment identifying apparatus 150 includes areader 152, which communicates with the central computer 32.

[0048] The central computer 32 contains an oilfield equipment databasewhich functions the same as the oilfield equipment database set forth inU.S. Pat. No. 5,142,128, which disclosure has been incorporated hereinby reference. In addition, the oilfield equipment database contained inthe central computer 32 is provided with additional functionality, aswill be described hereinafter.

[0049] The oilfield equipment identifying apparatus 150 has beenconstructed and adapted to be utilized in reading the identifierassemblies 12 on various pieces 14 of oilfield equipment located on therig floor 151 of an oil drilling rig.

[0050] The reader 152 includes a hand-held wand 156. The hand-held wand156 is constructed in a similar manner as the hand-held wand 20, whichwas described hereinbefore with reference to FIG. 1. The wand 156 isgenerally adapted to be carried by an individual working on the rigfloor 151 so that the individual can position the hand-held wand 156near various identifier assemblies 12 and download the uniqueidentification code stored in the identifier assemblies 12 so that thevarious pieces 14 of oilfield equipment can be identified. The hand-heldwand 156 is attached to a storage box 158 via a signal path, 160, whichis typically a cable having a length of about forty feet, for example.Storage box 158 is positioned on the rig floor 151 and serves as areceptacle to receive the hand-held wand 156 and the signal path 160when the hand-held wand 156 is not in use.

[0051] An electronic conversion package 162 communicates with aconnector on the storage box 158 via signal path 164, which may be anairway or a cable communication system so that the electronic conversionpackage 162 receives the signals indicative of the identification codestored in the identifier assemblies 12, which is read by the hand-heldwand 156. In response to receiving such signal, the electronicconversion package 162 converts the signal into a format which can becommunicated an appreciable distance therefrom. For example, theelectronic conversion package 162 may convert the signal received fromthe hand-held wand 156 into or from RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, or RS-530format. The converted signal is then output by the electronic conversionpackage 162 to a profibuss 166 via a signal path 168. The profibuss 166,which is connected to the drilling rig local area network and/or theprogrammable logic controller (not shown) in a well-known manner,receives the converted signal output by the electronic conversionpackage 162.

[0052] The central computer 32 includes an interface unit 170. Theinterface 170 communicates with the central computer 32 via a signalpath 172, which may be an RS-232 communication port, or other serialdevice, or a parallel port. The interface unit 170 may also communicateswith the profibuss 166 via a signal path 173. The interface unit 170receives the signal, which is indicative of the unique identificationcodes read by the hand-held wand 156, from the profibuss 166, and asignal from a drilling monitoring device 174 via a signal path 176. Thedrilling monitoring device 174 communicates with at least a portion of adrilling device 178 via a signal path 179. The drilling device 178 canbe supported by the rig floor 151, or by the drilling rig. The drillingdevice 178 can be any drilling device which is utilized to turn pieces14 of oilfield equipment, such as drill pipe or a drill bit to drill awell bore. For example, but not by way of limitation, the drillingdevice 178 can be a rotary table supported by the rig floor 151, or atop mounted drive supported by the drilling rig, or a downhole mud motorsuspended by the drill string and supported by the drilling rig.

[0053] The drilling monitoring device 174 monitors the drilling device178 so as to determine when the piece 14 or pieces 14 of oilfieldequipment in the drill string are in a rotating condition or anon-rotating condition. The drilling monitoring device 174 outputs asignal to the interface unit 170 via the signal path 176, the signalbeing indicative of whether the piece(s) 14 of oilfield equipment are inthe rotating or the non-rotating condition. As will be explainedhereinafter, the central computer 32 is loaded with a pipe utilizationand identification program in its oilfield equipment database whichreceives and automatically utilizes the signal received by the interfaceunit 170 from the signal path 176 to monitor, on an individualizedbasis, the rotating and non-rotating hours of each piece 14 of oilfieldequipment in the drill string. In one embodiment, the drillingmonitoring device 174 is a tachometer communicating with the drillingdevice 178.

[0054] For example, when the drilling device 178 is the downhole mudmotor (which selectively rotates the drill string's drill bit while thedrill string's pipe remains stationary), the central computer 32 logsthe non-rotating usage of each piece 14 of the drill string's pipe. Inthe case where the drilling device 178 is the downhole mud motor, thecentral computer 32 has stored therein a reference indicating that thedrilling device 178 is the downhole mud motor so that the centralcomputer 32 can accurately log the non-rotating usage of each piece 14of oilfield equipment included in the drill string that suspends thedrilling device 178.

[0055] Shown in FIG. 12 is a typical screen 182 on a monitor 184 of thecentral computer 32, when the central computer 32 is running the pipeutilization and identification program included in the oilfieldequipment database. The screen 182 includes a grid 186 for organizingthe information displayed by the pipe utilization and identificationprogram on the screen 182. The grid 186 is comprised of a plurality ofcolumns of data and the data is descriptive of particular features ofeach piece 14 of oilfield equipment included in a drill string. The datacolumns may be, but are not limited to, a position in the drill stringcolumn 188, a unique identification code column 190, a serial numbercolumn 192, a description column 194, a strap length column 196, anowner column 198, a rotating hour column 200, a non-rotating hour column202, and a total footage drilled column 204.

[0056] The screen 182 also displays three fields, designated in FIG. 12as a “Tube” field 206, a “BHA” field 208, and a “Total” field 210. TheTube field 206 displays the length of the pipe that is currently beingused in the drill string for drilling the oil well. The BHA field 208displays the length of the bottom hole assembly that is currently beingutilized in the drill string. The Total field 210 displays the sum ofthe lengths of the tube assembly and the bottom hole assembly.

[0057] The screen 182 is provided with a trip function 212, which isused when all pieces 14 of oilfield equipment are pulled out of thehole, or a bit or other piece 14 of oilfield equipment is changed. Thetrip function 212 will update the total footage of each joint of pipe inthe drill string as far as total footage is concerned. When one of thepieces 14 of oilfield equipment, such as a joint of pipe, is scanned bythe wand 156, such piece is added to the top of the drill string, thelength of that piece 14 is added to the previous amount of footage inthe drill string and displayed in the total footage column 204.

[0058] The pipe utilization and identification program is also providedwith a TD function 214, as indicated on the screen 182. When actuated,the TD function 214 will clear the grid 186 and store the data in ahistorical database for future reference. The TD function 214 must beerror protected with an <ARE YOU SURE?> function to stop inadvertenterasure of the grid 186.

[0059] The pipe utilization and identification program also includes a“remove function” 216, which permits an individual to remove theindication in the database of one of the pieces 14 of oilfield equipmentin any position in the drill string by merely highlighting the piece 14and actuating the “remove function” 216. When the piece 14 is removed, arecord is added to the historical database to indicate where the piece14 was in the drill string, and when the piece 14 was removed from thedrill string.

[0060] The pipe utilization and identification program is also providedwith an “add function” 218, to permit an individual to add a new recordindicative of the historical information of a particular one of thepieces 14 of oilfield equipment, when a piece 14 is added to the top ofthe drill string while drilling. If the identifier assembly 12 on thepiece 14 is scanned from the rig floor 151, the piece 14 will godirectly to the top of the drill string, and a reference in the pipeutilization and identification program will be created in the grid 186to indicate that such piece 14 has been added to the drill string.Historical (or cumulative) information regarding such piece 14 will beretrieved from the historical database and added to the grid 186 so thatcumulative data for the piece 14 is monitored.

[0061] The pipe utilization and identification program also includes a“replace function” 220, which is used when a specific piece 14 ofoilfield equipment is to be replaced in the drill string. Theidentification assembly 12 on the piece 14 can be scanned with the wand156 from the rig floor 151, thereby automatically highlighting the piece14 on the screen 182 (by the pipe utilization and identification programmatching the identification code stored in the column 190 with thescanned identification code). Alternatively, the piece 14 to be replacedcan be highlighted manually via a mouse (not shown) connected to thecentral computer 32. The “replace function” 220 is then actuated and thenew piece 14 is added to the grid 186 of the pipe utilization andidentification program in a similar manner as described above withreference to the “add function” 218. Information about the removed piece14 is then recorded in the historical database.

[0062] The pipe utilization and identification program is also providedwith a bottom hole assembly function 222. The bottom hole assemblyfunction 222, when actuated, displays only the pieces 14 that are in thebottom hole assembly on the grid 186.

[0063] The pipe utilization and identification program also includes astring report function 224. The string report function 224 generates areport to screen or printer of all pieces 14 currently being used in adrill string. Included in the report can be all of the information setforth in the grid 186.

[0064] A rental function 226 is also included in the pipe utilizationand identification program. The rental function 226 is utilized when aparticular piece 14 of oilfield equipment is rented from anothercompany. The rental function 226 may include fields for historical ordescriptive data, such as item description, owner, serial number,optional rotating hours, optional non-rotating hours, and requiredshoulder-to-shoulder length, for example. The records in the rentalfunction 226 can be saved to a file, retrieved from a file, removed froma file, and/or added to the grid 186 via various buttons on the screen182.

[0065] Thus, it can be seen that when the identifier assemblies 12 onthe pieces 14 of oilfield equipment, such as a joint of pipe, drillcollar, heavyweight drill pipe or the like, is scanned via the reader152 on the rig floor 151, data regarding that particular piece 14 isobtained from the historical database by the central computer 32 anddisplayed in the grid 186 on the screen 182. As each piece 14 of thedrill string is added to the drill string for drilling, an indication ofeach such component is displayed in succession on the monitor 184 in thegrid 186, exactly as such piece is being used in the drill string togive an indication of the piece's location in the drill string.

[0066] Therefore, it can be seen that displayed in the grid 186 isidentification information such as identification code, serial number,description, length, cumulative rotating hours, cumulative non-rotatinghours, total footage, stand number and stand placement regarding thespecific pieces 14 being used.

[0067] Various functions are also provided to allow the user to reviewdata on each individual piece 14 in the grid 186 by selecting such piece14 by double-clicking on it, for example. Various current data can bereviewed for each piece 14, such as inspections, repairs, logistics,purchasing, applications and spare parts, if required, as indicated bythe functions 228, 230 and 232.

[0068] In addition, the central computer 32 automatically andcontinuously monitors the signal path 172 so as to determine whether thedrilling device 178 is in the rotating condition or the non-rotatingcondition. If the signal received by the central computer 32 on thesignal path 172 indicates that one or more of the pieces 14 in the drillstring are rotating, the pipe utilization and identification programincluded in the oilfield equipment database automatically andcontinuously updates the information in the rotating hour column 200 foreach of the pieces 14 in the grid 18 that are rotating, and theinformation in the non-rotating hour column 202 for each of the pieces14 that are not rotating so as to monitor the cumulative rotating usageand non-rotating usage for each piece 14 in the grid 186. If the signalreceived by the central computer 32 on the signal path 172 from theinterface unit 170 indicates that all of the pieces 14 of oilfieldequipment in the drill string are in the non-rotating condition, thepipe utilization and identification program included in the oilfieldequipment database automatically updates the information in thenon-rotating hour column 202 for each of the pieces 14 in the grid 186,so as to monitor the cumulative non-rotating usage for each piece 14 inthe grid 186.

[0069] In one embodiment, the pipe utilization and identificationprogram may update either the rotating hour column 200 or thenon-rotating hour column 202 at least ten times per minute. This allowsreal time storage of rotating hours for each piece 14 being used in thedrill string. Real time reports can be generated from the pipeutilization and identification program at any time by actuating thestring report function 224 so that rig personnel can monitor the usageof each piece 14 in the drill string and take appropriate correctiveaction before a costly unexpected event occurs. Furthermore, the loadingof the historical information and the automatic and continuous updatingof the information in the rotating hour column 200 and the non-rotatinghour column 202 provides an accurate record of the historical orcumulative rotating and non-rotating hours of each piece 14, therebysubstantially reducing the number of costly inspections needed fordetermining the level of fatigue of each piece 14.

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 13, shown therein is a prior art apparatus250 for turning the piece 14 of oilfield equipment (in this case a pieceof oilfield pipe) to connect a pin connection 252 of the piece 14 to abox connection 254 of an adjacently disposed piece 14 in a well knownmanner. The apparatus 250 can be, for example but not by way oflimitation, a Model MH 1178 hydraulically operated ROUGHNECK obtainablefrom Maritime Hydraulics.

[0071] The apparatus 250 is supported on wheels 256 which engage tracks(not shown) positioned on the rig floor 151 for moving the apparatus 250towards and away from the well bore. Formed on an upper end of theapparatus 250 is a pipe spinner assembly 258 (or rotating device) forselectively engaging and turning the piece 14 to connect the pinconnection 252 to the box connection 254. A funnel-shaped mudguard 260can be disposed below the pipe spinner assembly 258. The mudguard 260defines a mudguard bore 262, which is sized and adapted so as to receivethe piece 14 of oilfield equipment therethrough. It should be noted thatin some embodiments, the apparatus 250 is not provided with the mudguard260. The apparatus 250 also includes a torque assembly or torque wrench263 which (in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13) is disposed below thepipe spinner assembly 258.

[0072] In accordance with the present invention, an opening 264 isformed through the mudguard 260 (when the mudguard 260 is present on theapparatus 250) such that the opening 264 communicates with the mudguardbore 262. In one embodiment, the oilfield equipment identifyingapparatus 150 includes a fixed mount reader 266 for automating thereading of the identifier assemblies 12, rather than the hand-held wand156. The fixed mount reader 266 constructed in accordance with thepresent invention is mounted onto a flange 268. The flange 268 islocated on the apparatus 250 and extends substantially adjacent to thepiece 14 of oilfield equipment when the piece 14 of oilfield equipmentis being spun by the pipe spinner assembly 258. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 13, the flange 268 is located substantially adjacent tothe opening 264 so as to position the fixed mount reader 266 through theopening 264 whereby the fixed mount reader 266 is located adjacent tothe piece 14 of oilfield equipment when the piece 14 of oilfieldequipment is being spun by the pipe spinner assembly 258. In general,the fixed mount reader 266 can be located on the apparatus 250 below thepipe spinner assembly 258 and above the torque assembly or torque wrench263.

[0073] As best shown in FIGS. 14-16, a pipe-engaging portion 272 of thefixed mount reader 266 extends through the opening 264 into the mudguardbore 262 whereby the pipe-engaging portion 272 is positioned to engagethe piece 14 of oilfield equipment when the piece 14 is disposed withinthe mudguard 260. Thus, the pipe-engaging portion 272 has access to theidentification assemblies 12, which are disposed on or near the pinconnection of the respective pieces 14 during the operation of theapparatus 250. When the fixed mount reader 266 is mounted on theapparatus 250, it is possible for the fixed mount reader 266 to read theidentification tags 38 (not shown in FIGS. 14-16) within the identifierassemblies 12 without any manual intervention, thus making the readingof the identification assemblies 12 more reliable and safe.

[0074] When the apparatus 250 comes into contact with the piece 14 (toeither spin it into position or torque it to specification), the pipeengaging portion 272 of the fixed mount reader 266 on the apparatus 250also comes into contact with the piece 14. As the piece 14 is spun intoplace, the fixed mount reader 266 reads the identification tag 38located in the identifier assembly 12, and transmits the uniqueidentification code stored in the identification tag 38 to theelectronics conversion package 162 via a signal path 274, whereby thesignal including the unique identification code is ultimatelytransmitted to the central computer 32 via the signal paths 168, 172 and173, and the profibuss 166 and the interface unit 170 as shown in FIG.11.

[0075] One embodiment of the fixed mount reader 266 will now bedescribed in more detail. The fixed mount reader 266 includes a housing280. The housing 280 is adapted to be connected to the flange 268 (asbest shown in FIG. 16) via any suitable connector assembly, such as aplurality of bolts 281 which are disposed through corresponding openings282 formed through the housing 280.

[0076] As best shown in FIG. 16, the housing 280 is provided with afirst end 284, a second end 286, an upper end 288, and a lower end 290.An antenna receiving opening 292 is formed through the second end 286 ofthe housing 280 and extends a distance therefrom towards the first end284. The antenna receiving opening 292 is sized and adapted to receivean antenna 294 (which may have a rectangular cross-section) therethroughsuch that the antenna 294 can be slidably movable in the antennareceiving opening 292 generally toward the piece 14 and away from thepiece 14.

[0077] The antenna 294 reads the unique identification code stored inthe identification tag 38 provided in the identifier assemblies 12(which are mounted on the pieces 14 as discussed above), and transmitsthe unique identification code stored in the identification tag 38 tothe electronics conversion package 162 via the signal path 274, wherebythe signal including the unique identification code is ultimatelytransmitted to the central computer 32 via the signal paths 168, 172 and173, and the profibuss 166 and the interface unit 170. When theidentification tag 38 is provided with the passive circuit (as discussedhereinbefore), the antenna 294 is tuned to read the uniqueidentification code stored in the identification tag 38.

[0078] The housing 280 of the fixed mount reader 266 supports the pipeengaging portion 272 such that the pipe engaging portion 272 extends adistance past the second end 286 of the housing 280. The pipe engagingportion 272 is provided with a rod 296 which is disposed in acorresponding opening 298 formed in the housing 280. The rod 296 issized and dimensioned to be slidably movable in the opening 298 suchthat the pipe engaging portion 272 is movable generally away from andtowards the second end 286 of the housing 280 and is thereby movableaway from and towards the piece 14.

[0079] A bias assembly 300 is disposed in the opening 298 and supportedby the housing 280. The bias assembly 300 engages the housing 280 andthe rod 296 so as to bias the rod 296 in a direction 302 generallytowards the piece 14. Thus, the bias assembly 300 maintains the pipeengaging portion 272 securely engaged with the piece 14 as the apparatus250 is spinning or torquing the piece 14 into its proper position.Furthermore, the bias assembly 300 absorbs any impact from the piece 14with the apparatus 250 when the piece 14 is moved against the pipeengaging portion 272. In one embodiment, the bias assembly 300 can be aspring.

[0080] As best shown in FIG. 16, the pipe engaging portion 272 of thefixed mount reader includes a housing 304. The housing 304 is connectedto the rod 296 and is thereby supported by the rod 296.

[0081] The housing 304 of the pipe engaging portion 272 is provided withan antenna receiving opening 306, which is aligned with the antennareceiving opening 292 formed in the housing 280 of the fixed mountreader 266. The antenna 294 extends into the antenna receiving opening306 and is secured to the housing 304 via any suitable connectorassembly, such as bolts.

[0082] The housing 304 of the pipe engaging portion 272 includes a firstside 308, a second side 310, an upper end 312 and a lower end 314. Thepipe engaging portion 272 includes a pair of fixed roller assemblies316, and a pair of movable roller assemblies 317 for maintaining theantenna 294 at a preselected distance from the piece 14 while theantenna 294 is reading the identification tags 38 mounted on the piece14.

[0083] The fixed roller assemblies 316 include a roller mount 318 and aroller 320. For purposes of clarity, the fixed roller assemblies 316,the movable roller assemblies 317, the roller mounts 318 and the rollers320 are designated in FIGS. 14-16 with the same numeral prefix, i.e.“316”, “317”, “318” and “320”, but with different alphabetic suffixes“a” and “b”. The roller mount 318 a of the fixed roller assembly 316 ais connected to the upper end 312 of the housing 304 such that at leasta portion of the roller 320 a extends past the housing 304 to engage thepiece 14. The roller mount 318 b of the fixed roller assembly 316 b isconnected to the lower end 314 of the housing 304 such that at least aportion of the roller 320 b extends past the housing 304 to engage thepiece 14.

[0084] Each of the movable roller assemblies 317 a and 317 b includes aleg 324, a roller 326 and a bias assembly 328. The leg 324 includes afirst end 330 and a second end 332. The bias assembly 328 is mounted onthe first end 330 of the leg 324, and the roller 326 is mounted on thesecond end 332 of the leg 324.

[0085] The movable roller assembly 317 a is pivotally connected to thefirst side 308 of the housing 304 such that the roller 326 a extendspast the housing 304 to engage the piece 14, and the bias assembly 328 aengages the housing 304 to force the roller 326 a against the piece 14thereby maintaining the roller 326 a securely engaged with the piece 14during reading of the identification tag 38. The movable roller assembly317 b is pivotally connected to the second side 310 of the housing 304such that the roller 326 b extends past the housing 304 to engage thepiece 14, and the bias assembly 328 b engages the housing 304 to forcethe roller 326 b against the piece 14 thereby maintaining the roller 326b securely engaged with the piece 14 during reading of theidentification tag 38.

[0086] Changes may be made in the embodiments of the invention describedherein, or in the parts or the elements of the embodiments describedherein, or in the steps or sequence of steps of the methods describedherein, without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oilfield equipment identifying apparatus fortracking selected parameters for each of a plurality of pieces ofoilfield equipment adapted to be inserted into a drill string supportedby a drilling rig, the drilling rig also supporting a drilling deviceadapted to selectively rotate portions of the drill string to form awell bore, the apparatus comprising: a computer loaded with an oilfieldequipment database; means for inputting into the computer a uniqueidentification code for each piece of oilfield equipment added to thedrill string so as to build a grid including a reference to each pieceof oilfield equipment in the drill string; and wherein the computerfurther includes means for continuously and automatically monitoring thelocation in the drill string of each piece of oilfield equipmentidentified in the grid and the cumulative rotating usage andnon-rotating usage of each piece of oilfield equipment identified in thegrid so as to provide an accurate representation of the historical dataof each piece of oilfield equipment identified in the grid.
 2. Anapparatus as defined in claim 1, further, comprising a plurality ofidentification assemblies including an encapsulated identification tag,each of the identification assemblies being mounted onto one of thepieces of oilfield equipment so as to electrically isolate theidentification tag from the piece of oilfield equipment, each of theidentification assemblies including a unique identification code so asto uniquely identify the particular pieces of oilfield equipment uponwhich the identification assemblies are mounted.
 3. An apparatus asdefined in claim 2, further comprising a reader mounted in a fixedlocation on the rig floor and capable of reading the identificationassemblies mounted onto the respective pieces of oilfield equipment aseach of the pieces of oilfield equipment is positioned in the drillstring.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, further comprising a pipespinner assembly for selectively engaging and turning at least one pieceof oilfield equipment to connect the one piece of oilfield equipment toan adjacently disposed piece of oilfield equipment, and wherein thereader is located below the pipe spinner assembly.
 5. An apparatus asdefined in claim 4, further comprising a torque assembly or torquewrench and wherein the reader is located above the torque assembly ortorque wrench.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 4, further comprisinga mudguard disposed below the pipe spinner assembly, the mudguarddefining a mud guard bore sized and dimensioned to receive the pieces ofoilfield equipment, at least a portion of the reader extending into themud guard bore so as to be capable of reading the identificationassemblies mounted on the pieces of oilfield equipment as each piece ofoilfield equipment is passing through the mudguard and being spun by thepipe spinner assembly.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, whereineach of the identification assemblies further comprises: a lid; and acup member having a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom soas to define a cavity, the bottom and the sidewall being sized andadapted so that the identification tag and the lid can be disposed inthe cavity.
 8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the lid andthe identification tag are sized so as to have a loose fit within thecavity.
 9. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein an opening isformed through the bottom, and an opening is formed through the lid. 10.An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein a hole is formed in thepiece of oilfield equipment to provide for the mounting therein of theidentifier assembly, the hole having a predetermined depth so that theidentifier assembly can be disposed in the hole below the maximum weardiameter of the piece of oilfield equipment.
 11. An apparatus as definedin claim 2, wherein at least one of the identifier assemblies is mountedto an exterior surface of one of the pieces of oilfield equipment, theone identifier assembly including an interior surface extending aboutand matingly conforming to at least a portion of the exterior surface ofthe one piece of oilfield equipment.
 12. An apparatus as defined inclaim 11, wherein at least one of the identifier assemblies comprises: afirst member having a first end and a second end; and a second memberhaving a first end and a second end, the first end of the first memberbeing disposed substantially adjacent the first end of the secondmember, and the second end of the first member is disposed substantiallyadjacent the second end of the second member, the first member, and thesecond member being shaped so as to matingly conform about the exteriorsurface of the piece of oilfield equipment.
 13. An apparatus as definedin claim 12, wherein the second member includes a layer of resilientmaterial supported on a frame member.
 14. An apparatus as defined inclaim 13, wherein a slot is formed in the layer of resilient material ofthe second member, the identification tag being disposed in the slot.15. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the cup member of atleast one identifier assembly includes a pair of aligned slotsconstructed to receive a flexible retainer whereby the flexible retainercan be disposed about the exterior surface of the piece of oilfieldequipment and threaded through the aligned slots to maintain theidentifier assembly on the exterior surface of the piece of oilfieldequipment.
 16. An identifier assembly adapted to be mounted onto a pieceof oilfield equipment so as to uniquely identify the piece of oilfieldequipment, the identifier assembly comprising: a lid having an openingformed therethrough; an identification tag having a uniqueidentification code stored therein; and a cup member constructed of anelectrically insulating material and having a bottom, and a sidewallextending from the bottom so as to define a cavity, the identificationtag and the lid being disposed within the cavity such that theidentification tag is interposed in between the lid and the bottom ofthe cup member to protect the identification tag, the bottom of the cupmember having an opening formed therethrough whereby the openings formedthrough the lid and the bottom of the cup member cooperate to relievepressure from accumulating behind the identifier assembly when theidentifier assembly is mounted on the piece of oilfield equipment. 17.An identifier assembly as defined in claim 16, wherein the lid and theidentification tag are sized so as to have a loose fit within thecavity.
 18. An identifier assembly adapted to be mounted onto anexterior surface of a piece of oilfield equipment so as to uniquelyidentify the piece of oilfield equipment, the identifier assemblycomprising: a first member having a first end and a second end, thefirst member at least partial constructed of a material which issubstantially impervious to hydrocarbons or oilfield chemicals; a secondmember at least partially constructed of an electrically insulatingmaterial which is substantially impervious to hydrocarbons or oilfieldchemicals, the second member having a first end and a second end, thefirst end of the first member being connected to the second member, andthe second end of the first member being connected to the second member,the first member, and the second member being shaped so as to matinglyconform about the exterior surface of the piece of oilfield equipment;and an identification tag having a unique identification code storedtherein, the unique identification code being mounted onto the secondmember such that the electrically insulating material electricallyisolates the identification tag from the piece of oilfield equipment.19. An identifier assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein the secondmember includes a layer of resilient material supported on a framemember.
 20. An identifier assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein aslot is formed in the layer of resilient material of the second memberand the identification tag is disposed in the slot.